News Blitz 1/27: Looking ahead to 2014

Monday, January 27, 2014 8:23 AM EST

By Chris Ferreira

Chad Finn of Boston.com writes that bringing in proven high-quality skill players on offense should be a priority this offseason with the window closing on Tom Brady's career. Finn writes that Larry Fitzgerald might be the established wide receiver they'll hopefully acquire this offseason.

The Obnoxious Boston Fan on Boston.com also echoes that sentiment, offering an entertaining rant on how Tom Brady's time is running out and getting adult-sized, veteran, sure-handed wide receivers who can run downfield and out stretch their defenders is a must. He notes that the last time the Patriots lost to Manning in the AFC title game, they picked up Moss and Welker in the following offseason.

Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald writes that Patriots new offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo has big shoes to fill in replacing retired coach Dante Scarnecchia. Former Patriots left tackle Matt Light chimed in on the move saying, "Dante was just a phenomenal coach. Hopefully, the new guy can keep up with what Dante was able to do and the pace which he was able to do it."

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com keeps track of the Patriots coaching comings and goings in his coaching staff tracker.

Erik Frenz of Boston.com makes an argument for why re-signing WR Julian Edelman must be the Patriots number one priority this offseason.

Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com continues his positional review/offseason preview with a look at the Patriots wide receivers.

Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald offers five reasons to be optimistic for the 2014 Patriots.

Paul Kenyon of The Providence Journal writes that the draft will play bigger role than usual for Patriots this year since the team does not have as much money to spend in free agency. The team has the 29th pick in each of the first four rounds, no fifth rounder (because of the trade for Isaac Sopoaga), two sixth and one seventh. With the Draft in mind Kenyon offers a position-by-position breakdown of the areas of need where New England could utilize a draft pick.

On that same topic, James Christensen of Bleacherreport.com breaks down five areas of need for New England and some potential fits that the Patriots could explore in the Draft this May.

Boston.com takes a look at all of the Patriots' free agents, and gives you a chance to vote on whether they should be re-signed.

Paul Kenyon of The Providence Journal discusses the possibility of someday having a Super Bowl played at Gillette Stadium. The possibility hinges on how things go this Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

"We would love one day to hold it here if it's a good experience there,” Kraft commented. "We're looking forward to seeing this experience in New York and New Jersey."

Finally, Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com takes a look at several Patriots who participated in the Pro Bowl on Sunday.